ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, February 10th, 2012 – Hundreds turned out today to witness and celebrate the opening of Farmers’ Week 2012 where Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering spoke highly of the farming community and applauded them for their efforts over the years.
“The farmers who have been working are known for their hard work, discipline, consistency and perseverance and I have no doubt that our farmers will continue to rise to the challenge,” Hon. Pickering said as he applauded the local farmers.
Reminiscing on the past the minister recalls, “Over the last fifty years, we see the progress that has been made in the agricultural industry in the Virgin Islands. Since the turn of the century there has been a shift from ploughing the land with hoe picks to computerized tractors used to prepare the soil for planting.”
“We can see that clearly, despite challenges the future of agriculture in the Virgin Islands must continue, but we must look at it from a different perspective and we must entertain the idea of diversity if we are going to be self sufficient,” the minister expressed.
“It is also reasonable to say that our situation is further compounded by the fact that our concern is not only about our 30 thousand residents that make up our country but also the thousands of individuals that visit our shores every year. Tourism, is therefore inextricably linked to our ability to ensure that the quantity and quality of food remains at an acceptable level,” the minister urged.
According to the Minister, it is the hope and aspiration of the Department of Agriculture to continually assist and increase the ability to help those who farm to find ready markets to sell their produce.
“Looking towards the future, we can all envision a Virgin Islands that is more self sufficient, we have the means to do it and we just need to adopt the attitude to make it happen,” the minister urged all.
“There have been various initiatives that have been implemented over the years within the Department of Agriculture and we will continue to use these as stepping stones to advance our farmers and with a Tourism Industry that we have, we now need to find the ways and the means to encourage the development of what is unique to the Virgin Islands,” the minister reiterated.
Other speakers included Premier Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith and Chief Agricultural Officer Mr. Bevin Braithwaite.
The Champion Farmer award went to Mr. Bryon Hodge, who also received that title in 2009.
Performances were done by the Elmore Stoutt High School Band and Drama Club, Little Litehous Preschool and Francis Lettsome Primary School.
Also present was His Excellency the Governor Mr. Boyd McClearly, House of Assembly Members Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, Hon. Mark Vanterpool, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, Hon. Alvera Maduro Caines, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Malcolm, Hon. Archibald Christian, Hon. Marlon Penn, and Hon. Andrew Fahie.
Cultural shows and exhibits will be held that weekend on the Paraquita Bay grounds on February 11 and 12.
Agricultural exhibitions will then be staged on the sister islands of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on February 13, 14 and 16, respectively.
The week’s activities conclude with a grand food fair at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on Friday, February 17 from 10 a.m. until.
The Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour work collaboratively on the sustainable development of the agricultural industry in the Territory. Farmers’ Week is held annually in support of local farmers and aims to heighten public awareness of the importance of agriculture to the Territory.
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